Take a Moment to Slow Down

I work two full-time jobs and one part-time job. For most of my life, I have thrived on deadlines and pressure. I unintentionally built my reputation around my ability to get-the-job-done. When someone wanted it done precisely and fast, I was called in. I took great pride in this acknowledgment but after nearly twenty years of this pressure, I learned one major lesson: You need to slow it down.

In 2011, I went on a two-week exchange with my students to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. As I was running around trying to keep itineraries, passports, visas, and everything else organized, I stopped into a Starbucks for a cup of coffee to grab and go. There were no to-go cups. I was initially annoyed, but I looked around and noticed people sipping their coffee and chatting; only one person had a laptop and a few were just reading. Having a cup of coffee in Moscow is not a jolt to get you rushing through your day, it’s a way to bond with your friends or to meditate.

When did we all get so busy? Between work, school, families, and everything in between, it’s easy, but isn’t it a tad ironic that the technologies of today that have made multi-tasking so much easier have somehow made us so much busier? I have to set a reminder on my phone to remind me to slow it down.

What’s key about taking a moment to slow down extends far beyond the physical benefits of reducing stress into mental well-being. As I started to learn to manage my time better, I started adopting new mantras. After a large event, instead of allowing the stress of all the minor issues to overwhelm me, I would simply laugh: “Hey, nobody died.” Success. Before beginning an overflowing to-do list, I ask myself: “What will explode if I don’t get this done today?” Granted, my mantras are a bit maudlin, but you get the point: it’s all about perspective.

There are simple changes you can make in your life to take a moment to slow down. Here are a few ideas to start with:

Take your lunch break. It’s included in your day for a moment of respite. Relaxed and rested workers are more effective. You will be better if you give yourself these 30-60 minutes just to eat your lunch.

Pick a time to log-off. This means everything from email to social media. Only answer your phone if you have to. Unwind by shutting down.

If possible, try walking to work. If not, park a little farther or get off the bus/train a stop earlier and use that walk as some time for just you and your mind.

Take an actual coffee break. Follow suit with the Europeans and go sip your coffee in a real mug in a coffee shop.

Set a real bedtime and stick to it.

Skip out on some activities that feel more like obligations. Saying no is slowing down.

What are some suggestions you have to rest easy and take a moment to slow down?